Guides
BeeTV Permissions Explained
Which Android permissions a streaming app actually needs, which ones are red flags, and how to audit what is installed.
Last reviewed · Reviewed by the editorial team
Permissions are the most accessible way for a non-technical reader to assess an unvetted app. The principle is simple: a media browser needs very little.
Reasonable for a streaming client
- Internet and network state.
- Foreground service, for playback that continues while browsing.
- Wake lock, to keep the screen on during playback.
- Scoped media or downloads access, only if offline saving is offered.
Red flags
- Accessibility service — can read screen contents and act on your behalf.
- Display over other apps — enables overlay ads and tap hijacking.
- Install packages from unknown sources — allows silent installation of further software.
- SMS, contacts, call log or precise location — no legitimate purpose in a media app.
- Device admin — very difficult to remove once granted.
How to audit an Android device
Open Settings, then Apps, then the app in question, and review Permissions. Settings › Privacy › Permission manager shows the same data grouped by permission, which makes outliers obvious. Special access categories such as overlay and install-unknown-apps live under Settings › Apps › Special app access.